After (2019)

Tessa Young, a dedicated student and devoted girlfriend, finds her meticulously planned world upended when she meets Hardin Scott, a brooding rebel with a mysterious past. Their instant attraction explodes into a passionate romance, but Hardin’s emotional baggage and Tessa’s desire for stability create constant friction. As Tessa delves deeper into Hardin’s secrets, she is forced to question everything she thought she knew about love, loyalty, and herself. Will their love be strong enough to overcome their individual struggles, or will their differences tear them apart?

Movie Details of After (2019)

• Genre: Romance, Drama
• PG: Rated PG-13 for sexual content, language, and some mature thematic elements
• Release Name: After
• Tagline: “Sometimes the best stories aren’t written in fairytales.”
• Audio language(s): English
• Runtime: 1 hour and 46 minutes
• Release date: April 12, 2019
• Production company: Voltage Pictures
• Movie trailer link on YouTube:

Cast Spotlight:

• Josephine Langford as Tessa Young: A dedicated college freshman with a seemingly perfect life. Langford delivers a nuanced performance, portraying Tessa’s journey of self-discovery as she grapples with newfound desires and emotional turmoil.
• Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott: A mysterious and brooding bad boy with a troubled past. Tiffin masterfully captures Hardin’s intensity and hidden vulnerabilities, creating a complex and intriguing character.
• Samuel Langley as Zed Evans: Tessa’s supportive and level-headed best friend. Langley brings warmth and humor to the role, offering Tessa a grounding presence amidst the drama.
• Pia Mia as Landon Gibson: Hardin’s charming and outgoing friend. Pia Mia adds a touch of lightheartedness and provides an interesting contrast to Hardin’s personality.

Filming the Story: Where After Came to Life

The film primarily takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, capturing the vibrant college town atmosphere. Key scenes were shot on location at Emory University, Agnes Scott College, and Georgia State University, lending an air of authenticity to Tessa’s academic experience. Additional filming locations include the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park, offering scenic backdrops for the blossoming romance between Tessa and Hardin.

The Soundtrack of After: Setting the Mood

The soundtrack of After is a captivating blend of pop, alternative, and R&B, perfectly complementing the emotional rollercoaster of the film. Tracks by artists like Leah Kate, Julia Michaels, and The Griswolds create an atmosphere of youthful passion and vulnerability. Here are some of the standout songs featured in the movie:

• “Lights Up” by Halsey
• “Frayed Edges” by Shy Dollaz & Troye Sivan
• “Insomnia” by bülow
• “Youngblood” by 5 Seconds of Summer
• “No Strings” by gnash

Fact vs. Fiction: The Real Story Behind After

While After is not a true story, it draws inspiration from the popular fanfiction novel of the same name by Anna Todd. The novel originated as a series of online Wattpad posts, gaining a devoted following for its portrayal of a passionate and tumultuous young love story. The film adaptation takes some creative liberties with the source material, but retains the core themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships.

After (2019) Box Office Performance

After (2019) achieved surprising box office success despite mixed reviews from critics. Made on a budget of $14 million, the film grossed over $69 million worldwide. This success is attributed to the film’s passionate fanbase built from the popularity of the book series.

After (2019) Review: Is it Worth Watching?

Social Media Reviews:

• “After is everything a good romance movie should be – passionate, emotional, and full of heart.” – Sarah J. (Twitter)
• “I wasn’t expecting much, but After had me hooked! The chemistry between the leads is undeniable.” – Emily R. (Facebook)
• “The plot is predictable, but the characters are relatable and the soundtrack is amazing.” – John H. (Rotten Tomatoes)
• “After is a toxic romance disguised as a love story. Not a good message for young viewers.” – Lisa K. (IMDB)

Review Summary:

After (2019) is a film that divides audiences. While some praise its passionate romance and relatable characters, others criticize its predictable plot and potentially unhealthy portrayal of relationships. Ultimately, whether you enjoy the film depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a light and entertaining romantic drama, After might be worth a watch. However, if you prefer films with deeper storylines and strong character development, you might want to look elsewhere.

After (2019) vs. Similar Movies:

Here’s a comparison of After (2019) with five other popular romantic dramas:

After (2019) vs. The Notebook (2004):

• Plot: Both films explore passionate love stories with star-crossed lovers facing challenges. However, The Notebook features a historical setting and a more mature portrayal of love that endures over time, while After focuses on the intensity of young adult love.
• Characters: The Notebook boasts iconic characters in Noah and Allie, whose unwavering devotion forms the emotional core of the film. After’s characters are more complex and flawed, with Hardin’s darkness adding an element of toxicity to the romance.
• Target Audience: The Notebook appeals to a broader audience with its timeless love story. After’s focus on college life and contemporary pop culture targets a younger demographic.

After (2019) vs. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015):

• Themes: Both delve into themes of BDSM and control within a romantic relationship. However, Fifty Shades of Grey is much more explicit in its portrayal, while After uses a more suggestive approach.
• Emotional Depth: Fifty Shades of Grey focuses on the physical aspects of the relationship, while After attempts to explore the emotional connection between Tessa and Hardin despite their problems.
• Critical Reception: Fifty Shades of Grey received mostly negative reviews for its weak plot and glorification of an unhealthy relationship. After received mixed reviews, with some praising its passionate elements and others criticizing its predictability.

After (2019) vs. The Fault in Our Stars (2014):

• Genre: Both are categorized as romantic dramas, but The Fault in Our Stars incorporates elements of coming-of-age and illness narratives.
• Tone: After is a more lighthearted and passionate romance, while The Fault in Our Stars tackles heavier themes of mortality and grief with humor and sensitivity.
• Target Audience: The Fault in Our Stars resonates with young adults dealing with life challenges and the complexities of love. After caters to a similar audience but focuses more on the emotional intensity of a first love.

After (2019) vs. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018):

• Plot: Both feature young female protagonists navigating the complexities of love and relationships. However, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a lighter and more comedic take on young love, while After explores a darker and more passionate dynamic.
• Characters: Lara Jean in To All the Boys is a relatable and endearing character, while Tessa in After is more complex and struggles with self-discovery. Both films feature charming male love interests.
• Social Commentary: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before celebrates female friendship and self-acceptance, while After focuses on the all-consuming power of romantic love.

After (2019) vs. The Kissing Booth (2018):

• Target Audience: Both target a young adult audience with a focus on high school life and first loves. However, The Kissing Booth offers a lighter and more comedic take on teenage romance.
• Plot: After features a more intense and dramatic love story compared to the light-hearted summer romance of The Kissing Booth.
• Themes: The Kissing Booth explores themes of friendship and self-discovery alongside the romance, while After dives deeper into the complexities of love and self-destructive behavior.

Where to Watch/Download After (2019)

After (2019) is available for streaming or purchase on various platforms depending on your location. Here are some options to explore (availability may vary):

• Streaming: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video (with subscription)
• Purchase: iTunes, Google Play, YouTube

Conclusion

After (2019) is a film that has garnered a passionate fanbase despite its mixed critical reception. Whether you enjoy the film or not depends on your preferences for romantic dramas. If you’re looking for a light and dramatic story about young love with a touch of mystery, After might be worth checking out on one of the streaming or purchase platforms mentioned above.